Introduction

Ghostwriting is currently a thriving industry where skilled writers write books, articles, and speeches for others. While ghostwriting enables people to share their stories and ideas with the world, it also raises questions, such as who gets credit and creative control? If you’re considering a career in ghostwriting, this article sheds light on the pros and cons of being a ghostwriter. 

Pros:

Potential to work with celebrities 

Would you like the opportunity to work with high-profile clients to tell their story? 

It is currently a rising trend where celebrities hire ghostwriters to help write their memoirs. Prince Harry’s ‘Spare’ and Michelle Obama’s ‘Becoming’ are only two such examples. With ghostwriting, you have the potential to collaborate with well-known public figures to create masterpieces and bestsellers. 

Good Money

One of the best things about ghostwriting is that you don’t need to be hired by celebrities to get paid a good sum. Businesses are willing to pay more as ghostwriting promises highly-researched, tailored writings. According to The Hindu’s estimates, a ghostwriting project can earn lakhs. Ghostwriters may also develop long-term contracts with clients, allowing for a steady stream of projects and a reliable income. 

No involvement in other aspects

Another advantage of ghostwriting is that you don’t have to involve yourself in the additional responsibilities that come with being the public face of the work. This can be appealing to writers who want to keep a low profile and be involved solely in the craft of writing. It can also provide the satisfaction of seeing your work published without having to deal with the pressures of being under the spotlight. 

Rising demand

In this article, we explored how the content industry is recognizing the value added by ghostwriters in the present day and age, where there is an increasing demand for a steady stream of fresh content. By hiring ghostwriters, businesses can cut down on the time and effort taken to write industry-specific content. This is why ghostwriting is fast expanding into industries outside publishing, such as marketing, screenplays, and even music. 

Flexible work hours

Most ghostwriters opt to freelance and this allows for a lot of flexibility in the line of work, such as in work hours, location of work, and deliverables. Due to this flexible nature, ghostwriters can also choose to work part-time, and negotiate contracts and rates accordingly. 

Cons

Difficulties in creating a portfolio

Ghostwriters usually sign NDAs that require them to surrender credit for their work. This can be restrictive for writers who want to create a portfolio of their shareable work. However, most ghostwriters combat this by creating a portfolio of sample writings, including client testimonials for additional credibility.

Less creative control

In most aspects, ghostwriting is an extremely flexible career. However, when it comes to the content itself, writers have little creative control. This comes from having to meet the client’s expectations in terms of tone, project type, writing style, etc, which can limit opportunities for creative deviation. Although it is a collaboration between the ghostwriter and the client, it is ultimately the client who delivers the final word.

High competition 

The rising demand for ghostwriting also, unfortunately, means high competition. Ghostwriters who are relatively new may struggle to find footing in the industry, owing to the demand for experienced writers who can produce a strong portfolio of past projects. Clients may also prefer ghostwriters who specialize in specific industries or genres, such as business books, memoirs, or technical writing, providing them a competitive advantage. 

Huge responsibility

Ghostwriting is taking on somebody else’s voice and vision and putting it out into the world, which can be a huge responsibility. Being entrusted to represent the client’s voice comes with the added responsibility of aligning your work with their goals and values. It also means having a good grip of the client’s target audience and catering to the same.

Instability

Ghostwriters typically do not have a steady stream of income like salaried employees. Their earnings are based on the projects they take on, which can vary in frequency and size. This irregularity can lead to financial instability. Additionally, there may also be gaps with no ongoing projects. During these periods, ghostwriters may not have any income, leading to further unpredictability in income.

Conclusion:

The ghostwriting industry’s spill into new and varied sectors and the increasing demand for fresh, high-quality content can provide exciting prospects for ghostwriters. While there may be some cons to being a ghostwriter, such as competition and creative constraints, the potential to earn good money, work with a diverse range of clients, and maintain flexibility can make ghostwriting a fulfilling and viable career choice. 

If you want to join our pool of ghostwriters, get in touch with us here!